WASHINGTON, July 20, 2016 — The Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, Afghanistan and other topics of mutual interest were among a range of topics Defense Secretary Ash Carter discussed today with Australian Defense Minister Marise Payne on the margins of the counter-ISIL ministerial meeting at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook said.

In a statement summarizing the meeting, Cook said Carter and Payne discussed their mutual commitment to degrade and defeat ISIL and the importance of continued support to the Afghan government.

Broadening Training Mission in Iraq

“Secretary Carter thanked Minister Payne for Australia's recent decision to broaden their training mission in Iraq to include Iraqi police,” Cook said. “They also discussed the need for a peaceful resolution of disputes in the South China Sea in accordance with international law.”

The two leaders reaffirmed the importance of the U.S.-Australia Force Posture Initiatives in Australia's Northern Territory to the alliance, the press secretary said, and Carter congratulated Payne on her recent election victory.

Both defense leaders said they are looking forward to the Australia-U.S. ministerial consultations to be hosted by Australia later this year.